Viral video of ocean sunfish, World’s largest bony fish, amazes internet
A recent video capturing the awe-inspiring presence of the Ocean Sunfish, the world's largest bony fish, has taken the internet by storm.
A recent video capturing the awe-inspiring presence of the Ocean Sunfish, the world’s largest bony fish, has taken the internet by storm. Deep-sea divers managed to film the massive creature in its natural habitat, showcasing its unique characteristics and astonishing size.
The Ocean Sunfish, scientifically known as Mola Mola, lacks a swim bladder, contributing to its distinct appearance.
Adults of this species typically weigh between 247 and 1,000 kg and can reach a length of 4.2 meters.
The fish resembles a head without a tail, with its main body flattened and a distinctive round clavus replacing the caudal fin.
The length of the Ocean Sunfish can increase when it’s dorsal and ventral fins are extended, giving it an otherworldly appearance.
Despite its massive size, the fish is considered harmless to humans and is found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide.
In some regions, including Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, the Ocean Sunfish is considered a delicacy.
The trending video showcases deep-sea divers capturing the Ocean Sunfish swimming gracefully in its natural habitat. The unique shape of the fish, attributed to the round clavus, replaces the traditional caudal fin, creating a spectacle that has left viewers stunned.
Scientists believe that the internal organs of Ocean Sunfish may contain concentrated neurotoxin and tetrodotoxin, although this claim is a subject of debate within the scientific community.
“Mola” means millstone in Latin, describing the Ocean Sunfish’s rounded shape.
The fish’s silver color and rough skin texture are distinctive features.
Due to their large dorsal fins, Ocean Sunfish are occasionally mistaken for sharks.
Contrary to a tweet accompanying the video labeling the Ocean Sunfish as the “heaviest” bony fish, it is crucial to clarify that while it is the largest, the title of the “heaviest” is attributed to another species in the same family, Mola Alexandrini.
The ocean sunfish is the world’s heaviest known bony fish: it reaches up to 2,300 kg of weight and 4.2 meters of size across the finspic.twitter.com/IgyJvA3reX
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) December 5, 2023
